JCC of Central New Jersey to hosts Jewish Film Festival at Loews Theatre in Mountainside

Beginning Oct. 17 and running five weeks through Nov. 15, the JCC of Central New Jersey is hosting the Eighth Annual Jewish Film Festival of Central New Jersey at the AMC Loews 10 Theatre in Mountainside. All shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

Opening night, Wednesday, Oct. 17, features “A Bottle in the Gaza Sea,” directed by Thierry Binisti. Premiering in New Jersey, this film focuses on the relationship between a French-Israeli girl and a Gaza resident and shows how they are both, in their own ways, trapped by circumstances and a growing sense of confinement.

On Tuesday, Oct. 23, the featured film is “My Best Enemy,” directed by Wolfgang Mumberger. In this action-packed caper, the brash son of a wealthy Jewish Viennese art dealer turns the tables on Nazi antagonists.

Reuniting the “Rubins,” directed by Yoav Factor, will be shown on Tuesday, Oct. 30. An uptight lawyer is coerced into reuniting his estranged children for a holiday gathering in what becomes a heart-warming and comic family reunion.

“Follow Me: The Yoni Netanyahu Story,” is scheduled for Monday, Nov. 5. Directed by Jonathan Gruber, this award-winning, emotional documentary, developed from Netanyahu’s own writings and news reports of the daring raid on Entebbe, weaves the epic with the intimate in this personal story of a young man who dedicated his life to the service of his people.

On closing night, Thursday, Nov. 15, “Kaddish” for a Friend will be shown. This film, directed by Leo Khasin, tells the story of the unlikely friendship between a Russian Jewish World War II veteran and a Palestinian teen. Based on actual events and embodying the spirit of building bridges of understanding, this movie unfolds with gritty realism and a light touch.

Tickets are $12 in advance for JCC members, seniors age 65+ and students; $14 for the community. At the door, tickets are $15. Tickets for the entire series (1 ticket/film) are $55 for JCC members, seniors age 65+ and students; $65 for the community. Advance ticket purchase is strongly recommended as screenings often sell out. Tickets can be purchased online at jccnj.org, by mail or in person at the JCC in Scotch Plains.

For full information on the Eighth Annual Jewish Film Festival of Central New Jersey and ticket purchase, go to jccnj.org or call 908-889-8800, ext. 208.

The JCC of Central New Jersey is located at 1391 Martine Avenue in Scotch Plains. The JCC of Central New Jersey is a constituent agency of the Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ, United Way of Greater Union County and the Westfield United Fund. Financial assistance is available for membership and various programs.